Remember Merchant Marine

I, a former radio officer in the Merchant Marine during World War II, am still astonished at the ignorance of the important part they played in helping to win World War II.

I recently had the occasion to talk to a doctor who admitted he knew nothing of their role. Two assistants, a different age group, likewise knew nothing of the Merchant Marine. No matter to what age group I engage in this topic, the outcome is the same.

What I am implying here is that history will be written without many knowing that the Merchant Marine delivered the war material when needed. Imagine a beachhead that didn’t get its supplies. They would be captured – or worse.

It took all of us, working as a team, to defeat the enemy. Our troops needed the tanks, airplanes, food, ammunition, medical supplies and other items needed for the war effort.

When we think of World War II, let us remember the Army, Navy, Marines, Coast Guard and the Merchant Marine.